Anno Domini: Nederlandse bouwinscripties van de 10de eeuw tot circa 1600

Abstract

This book deals with building inscriptions in the Netherlands from the 10th century until 1600, i.e. inscriptions that tell us something about the date of a building (or rebuilding), the maker and the patron. After an introduction that discusses the status quaestionis and the reliability of the inscriptions, which have sometimes been renewed, replaced or faked, the book deals with the concept of time and the significance of the inscriptions over time. The oldest inscriptions date between the 10th century and 1500 and of these there are few. Even so, these all merit a lengthy discussion. In the 16th century the number of building inscriptions explodes. The book first discusses the variant ways in which the year could be given (Roman letters, arabic numerals, a combination of the previous two types, as a rhyme, as a riddle, and so on); the patrons, composers and 'artists' and the location of the inscription on and in church buildings. The next chapters deal with inscriptions of the highest authroties in the land and the nobility, inscriptions and cities and institutions, and inscriptions of citizens and countryfolk. The final chapters deal inscriptions and memory, and the addressees of building inscriptions.